Unrelieved suffering is sometimes necessary to perfect character-Jesus Himself “learned obedience by the things that He suffered” ( Hebrews 5:8). Yet, the distressed sisters were to learn that God’s delays are not denials. His delay in going to Bethany must have puzzled His friends, especially when He allowed it to end in death. He assures His disciples that the sickness would not have death as its final result, however, God was permitting it for two reasons: the furtherance and accomplishment of the Father’s purpose and His glorification, as well as the glorification of Jesus Himself. Why does Jesus, delaying His arrival, permit Lazarus’ sickness and death? John 11:6-7, 11-15.Ĭ omment: Jesus already knew that Lazarus needed healing when the news reached Him. ![]() A man of few words, he was a quiet and unassuming friend.ģ. Lazarus’ name is not mentioned nor is his voice heard in Scripture until his sickness, death, and resurrection. Likewise, in His own kind and caring way, Jesus enjoyed dealing with each of them according to their temperaments. ![]() Mary and Martha were devoted to Jesus and appreciated Him in their own ways ( Luke 11:21-22, 32). Mary was different: contemplative and gifted with intuitive grace and kindhearted sympathy. He loved Martha, a resilient and energetic woman, who was the keeper of their home, intent on looking after the physical comfort of her guests. Does Jesus desire His friends to have the same personality? John 11:20.Ĭ omment: Jesus loved Martha, Mary, and Lazarus ( Luke 11:5), choosing to love them in a more personal way than others, which shows that He loves different personalities. The ease and simplicity of their message, “Lord, behold, he whom You love is sick” ( John 11:3), shows the faith they had in His ability to heal.Ģ. The gospels do not record the nature of Lazarus’ illness, but it was serious enough for his sisters to request Christ’s intervention, expecting Him to immediately heal the disease. So the family had to experience illness and grief. Even the personal affection that His friends enjoyed with Him did not persuade Jesus to stray from His responsibility to glorify God in all that He did. Does God always shield His friends from sorrow? John 11:1-16.Ĭ omment: With Lazarus’ death imminent, they were to learn that the wisdom of godly love does not always shield its recipients from suffering, sorrow, and death ( John 16:20-22 II Corinthians 7:9-10). ![]() After performing this miracle, He withdrew to the wilderness of Ephraim for some private time with His disciples before the Passover and His final hours.ġ. It foreshadowed His own resurrection, made a profound impression in Jerusalem, and in contrast, brought the wrath of the Sanhedrin to a head, stirring them to decide to murder Jesus. ![]() This resurrection is the most extraordinary of all His great works while in the flesh. No one knows how often Jesus visited the home of the sisters, Mary and Martha, and their brother Lazarus, but Scripture records some of His visits to their friendly, peaceful, and loving home ( Matthew 21:17 Mark 11:11, 19 Luke 10:41-42). About a month before His own death and resurrection, Jesus visited Bethany and performed His third miracle of resurrection, raising Lazarus from the dead ( John 11:1-46).
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